Saturday, August 18, 2018

"The Grand Son" is directed by Robert Logevall and stars Rhys Wakefield, Lesley Anne Warren, Fabianne Therese, Nathan Keyes, Danielle Campbell and Sarah Clarke. It is a crime thriller spliced into arthouse melancholy.

High in the Hollywood Hills, Tod and his sister, Lani live a charmed life in mansion of their grandmother, a former movie star now hosting a home shopping show with failing ratings. She sees her grandchildren as spoiled and entitled and when Tod senses that
his lifestyle is in jeopardy he hatches a diabolical plot to keep the home shopping show going and the money rolling in.
"The Grand Son" has a very nouveau riche decadence, "after the light begins to die" feeling that is as captivating as it is addictive to watch. The story is well written, filled with tortured souls, devoid of empathy, and stained Americana. The characters are 'Fargo-esque, in their "not quite right behind the eyes" personas , and social impropriety. Almost avant garde.

The acting is top notch with a great cast of talent. Rhys is perfectly suited as the male lead , with equal props going to all the cast. I wish Danielle Campbell would have had a stronger presence, but other than that everything about the acting was great.

The cinematography style and choices taken, frame this modern Gothic tale strikingly. As if channeling Ryan Murphy will doing a tribute film to "Cruel Intentions". It is a slow burn drama with psychological edges. The only downside was the low tone and casual pace didn't really allow for any suspense. So the thrill is limited to the drama and downward spiral of Wakefield's character as the situation spins out of control. Still "The Grand Son" is well worth the watch- just not for the guts and gory crowd. (4/5)

Jeff Hall's paranormal horror "It Lives Indie" is a low budget domestic nightmare starring Rett Terrell, Alissa Rose Ford, Liam Rose, Laurie Cummings, Christian R. Black, Philip W. Paz, Justin Hendrix, Bill Brewer, and Briana Looby. Haunted objects, century old curse, and human conflict create a dark, contemporary horror set up that ends in a nightmare.A chronic sleepwalker reads from a mysterious book that foretells his impending demonic possession. He then struggles to hold his family together as the ancient evil threatens to consume everything he holds dear.The story is creative in it's use of classic paranormal horror tropes, by personalizing and humanizing the characters and events. The opening moments, meant to legitimize the later events, are under explained. Although that historical reference does give a slight origin to the modern horrors that take place in Hall's story. Just not enough to really hook you into the evil entity attached to the objects found in the house. "It Lives Inside" doesn't break new ground are feel completely original, but clever production choices and the nicely drawn leads balance the over exposed premise to a degree that the story feels original enough.The acting is pretty tight, there are moments when character interactions don't seem as authentic as the dialog lends to, reactions and actions look out of place in certain scenes. Still there are way more good moments between the couple, with easy, fluid, dialog and believable interactions that have to be acknowledged. Rett Terrell is great as the main character, which is the big draw that hooks you into the story from start to wicked and cruel finish.The horror elements, aren't really all that scary. Think 'Evil Thing' meets "Amityville". The effects are occasional CGI gimmicks expected in paranormal movies. Atmosphere, music and shadow play meant to give a haunted ambiance. Often they don't work in "It Lives Inside". The notable exception being the big big evil materializing, the CGI and Creature design is perfection from minute one to minute end. Overall "It Lives Inside" will find a home with a select indie crowd. It's slow burn pace, homegrown look and feel will disappoint anyone looking for a popcorn thriller. More theatrics and melodrama than shock scares, the story and the downward spiral of a broken man is the big draw. (2.5/5)

In a fantasy world of dragons, magic and myths, four Dwarves are mining in the dangerous Dragon Mountain when a sudden, violent explosion causes a cave in, trapping the Dwarves inside. With oxygen getting low and supplies dwindling the group must work together to figure a way out before it’s too late. But the path to freedom may not be as simple as they hope when they cross paths with a hungry creature tracking them in the darkness.Director Chris Raney incorporates elements mythical fantasy and steampunk asthetics in his "middle earth inspired story. "Dragon Mountain" stars Robert Morgan, Brent Bateman, John Hutton, Gys de Villiers and Serah Henesey. It is already available on streaming platforms with DVD dropping in September. It is a fantasy adventure that takes on elements of "The Cave" ( if the cast were dwarves), and plays out like a side note to a news report ripped from 'The Shannara Chronicles' (if the report was about dwarves trapped in a mine).Raney's film is well produced, straightforward and engaging as far as writing and character development. He offers a potentially captivating story-arch, focusing on these characters and their dire situation as they struggle to survive in a subterranean "prison". The atmosphere is ominous and suspenseful with plenty of opportunity to excite and build a thrilling story. For the most part, though, we are only teased mildly, with little gratification. "Dragon Mountain" is filled with a lot of missed opportunities to become the titillating watch that the synopsis suggests. First, no dragons- well a really cool fly over the mountain chain by a quality CGI lady heading to her den takes place in the opening scene. But that is it- technically the dragon is eluded to a couple of times through dialog. Beyond that the movie pulsate as a character study of crises. There is fantasy, but subtext and suggestion reigns supreme to get you there. The dwarves are recognizable and familiar. They take the main stage in Raney's movie, but they could easily be replaced subconsciously with human persons going through this struggle. There is a creature in the tunnels with them and a human in killer Cosplay steampunk gear, however both are little more than cameo characters and missed before they really ever fill the screen.Overall "Dragon Mountain" is kind of a let down. Toss aside the fact that 'no dragon' in a movie whose title sells you on dragons. Forgiven. With the actual story- four guys trapped in a clasped mine- the writing and acting is top notch. The cinematography is okay, lighting issues plague crucial moments that were necessary to amp up the entertainment value. Unfortunately it all boils down to bad moods, grumpy dialog and emotional anxiety between disgruntled workers that seems to put a drag on the fluidity of the movie's pace, making it a rather boring movie. (2/5)

Check out the trailer for upcoming horror anthology "Skeletons In The Closet". The film is directed B.A. Lewandowski, Tony Wash. It starsEllie Church, Adam Michaels, and Elizabeth Stenholt.

"Skeletons in the Closet" is a late-night, horror anthology television series featuring The Widow and her dead husband, Charlie. Each episode finds them providing hilarious commentary on a variety of B-movie horror films - some of which are terrifying! Their number one fan, a precocious 11-year-old named Jamie, never misses an episode. With her parents out for the evening, Jamie sits down in front of the tube to devour the delectable terror, but her favorite Friday night freak show is constantly interrupted by her annoying new babysitter, Tina. If they can survive each other, they may be able to survive the night!

The World Premiere will be at The Davis Theater and presented in association with Windy City Horrorama, Chicago’s homegrown horror film festival. 80s horror fans will experience what they have been dying to see.

Skeletons in the Closet will screen twice on Friday, September 7th at 9:00pm and 11:30pm at The Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. A Q&A with filmmakers and cast begins at 10:45pm.

Freestyle Digital Media has released a red band trailer and poster for upcoming horror "Killer Kate". The film stars Danielle Burgess (The Sinner, The Deuce), Tiffany Shepis (Victor Crowley), and Alexandra Feld (Slate Your Name), and directed by Elliot Feld. "Killer Kate" opens in select theatres and on VOD October 26th.Estranged sisters — Kate and Angie — haven’t spoken since Angie went to college and left Kate to care for their ailing father. Several years later Angie invites Kate to her bachelorette party at a remote house booked on a home-sharing app. The women are unaware they’re walking into a trap set by a family of killers.

An exclusive clip released for upcoming horror film "The Ranger". The film is the directorial debut from Jenn Wexler. Set to the beat of a killer punk soundtrack and shot in eue-popping neon colors, the film stars Chloe Levin, and Jeremy Holm. "The Ranger" costars Granit Lahu, Bubba Weiler, and Amanda Grace Benitez, and is set to opan FrightFest in London.

Friday, August 17, 2018

First clip, Slumber Party, released for creepy horror movie "Down A Dark Hall". The film is in theaters, on demand & on iTunes now. "Down A Dark Hall" is a supernatural thriller directed by Rodrigo Cortés (Buried), from a screenplay by Mike Goldbach and Chris Sparling, and stars AnnaSophia Robb (Soul Surfer, The Carrie Diaries), Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan), Victoria Moroles (Teen Wolf), Noah Silver (The Tribes of Palos Verdes), Taylor Russell (TV’s Falling Skies), Rosie Day (Outlander), and features a truly memorable turn by the iconic Uma Thurman (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill: Vols. I & II).

Kit (AnnaSophia Robb), a difficult young girl, is sent to the mysterious Blackwood Boarding School when her heated temper becomes too much for her mother to handle. Once she arrives at Blackwood, Kit encounters eccentric headmistress Madame Duret (Uma Thurman) and meets the school’s only other students, four young women also headed down a troubled path. While exploring the labyrinthine corridors of the school, Kit and her classmates discover that Blackwood Manor hides an age-old secret rooted in the paranormal.

"Mrs. Claus" slays the holiday season in this Christmas horror trailer. The film, directed by Troy Escamilla, lands on DVD November 13th. To be released by Wild Eye Releasing, "Mrs. Claus" stars Brinke Stevens, Helene Udy and Kaylee Williams.

A group of college students attending a Christmas party at a sorority house that has a sinister past are stalked by a bloodthirsty killer disguised as Mrs. Claus.

Check out the latest image released for "The Apostle". The upcoming cult-themed horror thriller is directed by Gareth Evans and stars Dan Stevens. "The Apostle" premiers on Netflix October 12th and costars Lucy Boynton, Bill Millner, and Kristine Froseth.

Prodigal son Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens) has returned home, only to learn that his sister is being held for ransom by a religious cult. Determined to get her back at any cost, Thomas travels to the idyllic island where the cult lives under the leadership of the charismatic Prophet Malcolm (Michael Sheen). As Thomas infiltrates the island’s community, he learns that the corruption of mainland society that they claim to reject has infested the cult’s ranks nonetheless – and uncovers a secret far more evil than he could have imagined. Apostle is a harrowing occult fable where the only thing more horrifying than madness is the sinister reality behind it.

Gravitas Ventures has acquired US and Canadian rights to the zombie horror/thriller "The Barn", which they will be releasing on VOD and DVD on September 4. Directed by Matt Beurois, who co-wrote the film with producer Auregan. "The Barn" stars Guillaume Faure, Piper Lincoln, and Ken Samuels.

The story takes place in Sugar Grove, Virginia, the small town being the playground of a serial killer. As the number of victims increases, a bold female reporter is sent to cover the story. Her investigation will shake the local community, uncovering the town’s dark secret hidden inside Gil Perry’s barn.

Check out the trailer for horror anthology "The Last Horror Show". Directed by Michael S. Rodriguez, the film stars Felissa Rose, Lynn Lowry, Tiffani Fest, Arch Hall Jr., Robert Allen Mukes and Jim Van Bebber. It is slated for November release courtesy of Wild Eye Releasing.

Three terrifying tales to keep you awake all night: Night of the Sea Monkey, Lamb Feed and Homewrecked – a trifecta of 80s throwback terror with mauling monsters, home invasions gone haywire and stomach-turning human sacrifice.

The official trailer has been released for season two of 'Wolf Creek' for PopTV. Executive produced and directed by creator Greg McLean, the series embraces the simplicity and authenticity of the original "Wolf Creek" movie. It delves into the depraved insanity of serial killer Mick Taylor.In season two, Mick seizes the opportunity after a chance encounter with a bus full of tourists setting out for an outback adventure of a lifetime. After silently taking out the tour guide, Mick’s twisted plan rapidly unfolds, trapping the tourists in a horrifyingly violent game where growing terror and extreme weather make every moment a battle for survival.

High Octane Pictures has announced the release of "Dead List" this week. The film is now available on DVD. Check out the trailer and stills below.

A struggling actor conjures a dark force in order to win a movie role in a terrifying new movie experience from filmmakers Holden Andrews, Ivan Asen and Victor Mathieu.

Calvin is competing with five other actors — Zander, Scott, Kush, Jason and Bob — for a major movie role. Stopping at nothing to win the role of a lifetime, he uses a demonic book to curse his fellow actors, with each actor being killed off in their own separate unique and terrifying chapter.

The first image of Ian Somerhalder has been released from his upcoming series "V-Wars". Somerhalder plays Dr. Luther Swann, a scientist trying to Crack the vampire genome after circumstances lead him into a world of supernatural. The Netflix series has a 10 episode adaptation based on graphic novel by Johnathan Maberry.

Check out this new exclusive clip for viral outbreak thriller "Patient Zero". The film stars Matt Smith, Stanley Tucci , and Natalie Dormer. It is directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky and hits VOD August 14th, with a theatrical to follow September 14th. See the previous one here.

In the pandemic thriller, Patient Zero, humanity is battling intelligent, adrenaline-fueled creatures born from a viral super-strain.

After being bitten, human survivor Morgan (Matt Smith) realizes he is asymptomatic and can communicate with the infected, leading the last survivors on a hunt for Patient Zero and a cure.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Directed by Brian M. Conley and Nathan Ives, "The Basement" is a twisted mix of torture porn, and psychological thriller. This indie horror stars Mischa Barton, Cayleb Long, Jackson Davis, Tracie Thoms, Bailey Anne Borders and Kareem J. Grimes. It is a low budget, nicely produced "3: An Eye For An Eye" meets "Split" meets "9 Days".Craig is abducted and wakes up in a basement. His captor, Bill, is a twisted serial killer who wishes to reenact his own capture, with Craig playing the part of Bill and Bill playing everyone else. As Bill tortures Craig, he cycles through a number of personas,
all while Craig tries desperately to find a way into Bill's pathology in order to save himself."The Basement" kicks off this basic horror premise with familiar fashion. An abduction and torture porn party favors. There is a quick but impressive set up scene that hints to the horrors in store, it tickles the horror bone and almost champions the idea that this is gonna be a nice, indie gem. Almost. Conley and Ives don't offer anything that hasn't been scene or written before, but they do show an effort in creating a story with continuity and depth. The production and cinematography is spot on, edging toward perfect. The characters are standard constructs, common to most movies in this aubgenre, the notable standouts here are both Jackson Davis and Cayleb Long, who give exceptional performances.The acting at times falters somewhat, a few of Gemini Killer's personalities fall a bit flat- for the most part Davis rocks the crap out of his role. Long has a bit weaker dialog and isn't as developed as Davis' character, but still it is good enough to make their scenes together captivating. The contrasting scenes with Barton are slightly cumbersome, her character is way too two-dimensional, still it is one of her better performances. Special effects are limited, but what we get is quality, and play on classic torture tropes. The really big gore scene slips to mediocre slightly but it is still a fun, visceral treat. The real horror I'd heavy psychological melodrama and intense drama that holds solid between the two male leads. The score amps up the atmosphere and is a plus. Overall "The Basement" is a good movie, one of the better indie torture/revenge horrors I have seen lately. It isn't original by a long shot and the twisted reveal at the end is one you see coming. Still it is worth checking out and the issues aren't enough to kill the entertainment value - even the choppy mansion scenes with Mischa Barton don't hurt "The Basement" too much. (3/5)

Are you prepared to experience the paranormal this holiday season? Written and directed by Tony Trov and Johnny Zito, "American Exorcist" gets an October release. The film, starring Bill MoseleyFalon Joslyn, and Jo Pincushion, lands on DVD/Blu-ray shelves October 26th.

A paranormal investigator is trapped inside a haunted skyscraper on Christmas Eve. The skeptical scientist, Georgette Dubois, is horrified once confronted with the reality of the supernatural. She risks life and limb to escape her ghoulish prison, stranded on the top floor.

Check out the awesome poster release for upcoming documentary "The Dark Heart of Jason Voorhees: The Making of the Final Friday". The film is directed by Nick Hunt, with "Jason Goes To Hell" director Adam Marcus producing. The documentary offers an in depth look at the behind the scenes production, never before seen.

Press release:

“Through interviews and behind the scenes details, you will understand the unique landscape the series was in at the time, having just changed studios and already being on the road to the eventual Freddy vs. Jason film which wouldn’t see release for another 10 years. You will see the unusual hand Adam Marcus was dealt and the immense pressure and scrutiny which was placed on him during production. And you will see genre greats, both who were in the film and not, weigh in on Jason’s journey to hell.

In Jason Goes to Hell, you learned secrets about Jason you never knew before! In The Dark Heart of Jason Voorhees, you will understand what was and what could have been about The Final Friday!”

Said Hunt, “Jason Goes to Hell is one of the most highly criticized but highly talked about entries in the entire franchise and in my estimation it took pure balls to make that film. I want this documentary to clear things up and for people to hear it directly out of the horse’s mouth. I want them to hear The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Plus get up-close-and-personal with all of the people that were involved in making the film

An exclusive clip has been released for viral nightmare movie "Patient Zero". The film, finally released today after a few years on hold - it was filmed in 2015, stars Matt Smith, Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci, Agyness Deyn, and Clive Standen. "Patient Zero" is directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, and is currently available on VOD and digital. A theatrical release is expected September 14th.

Humanity is battling intelligent, adrenaline-fueled creatures born from a viral super-strain. After being bitten, human survivor Morgan (Matt Smith) realizes he is asymptomatic and can communicate with the infected, leading the last survivors on a hunt for Patient Zero and a cure.

The Bray Road Beast roars to life in the first full trailer for new film from Small Town Monsters

"The Bray Road Beast" explores the infamous Elkhorn creature sightings, plus centuries of Werewolf legends and myths from across the globe. From the predominant theory that witnesses merely saw an undiscovered species of large wolves to more bizarre aspects of the phenomena. The film is shot on location in and around Wisconsin, and is the seventh film from award-winning filmmaker, Seth Breedlove.

Real eyewitnesses, investigators, and historians tell the centuries-worth of history surrounding one of the world’s oldest myths… and it’s possible roots in reality. The Bray Road Beast will have a special preview screening at HorrorHound Indianapolis on Saturday, August 25th ahead of the official release on October 5th. Check out the latest trailer below.

In 1989 a country road outside of the Wisconsin town of Elkhorn became the center of a media frenzy unlike anything the world had ever seen. “People were seeing, what looked to them, like a werewolf…” said Linda Godfrey the newspaper reporter who brought the story to light in a local publication called “The Week”. In fact, many people -locals and out-of-towners alike- had sightings and encounters with the creature that came to be known as The Beast of Bray Road. Many of these sightings were largely ignored or under-reported… that is, until October 5th when the new documentary film, The Bray Road Beast will unlock decades of history relating to “werewolf” sightings around the US.

Random Media is crossing over to the other side with the limited theatrical and nationwide VOD release of Michael Mongillo's
Diane, the story of a wounded veteran and the beautiful corpse he stumbles across that leads him down a rabbit hole.
Diane held its world premiere at FrightFest in London, where BritFlicks described Mongillo's latest as "Jacob's Ladder meets
Memento". The film later had its US premiere at the New York City Horror Film Festival and was a nominee for Best Independent Limited Release at the Rondo Classic Hatton Horror Awards.

Diane will open in
Los Angeles September 7th at the Arena Cinelounge Sunset, followed by a launch on
Cable and Digital HD, including iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play and Vudu, on September 17th.

Steve's lingering physical and emotional scars from the war in Afghanistan plunge him into a soulless routine. He continues his drab existence until the corpse of a beautiful singer, Diane, is dumped in his backyard, shaking him back to reality. Steve takes
a photo of her before calling the police and soon he becomes obsessed with the dead woman's image. Steve is scrutinized by the police, becoming the prime suspect hassled by Diane's widower, and attacked by self-righteous neighbors. Before long, the malevolent
ghost of Diane begins to work a dark spell that leads Steve to strange and startling revelations.

On July 4th, private Jay Williams returns home from the Middle East, but a mysterious epidemic breaks out and infects his friends at his party. On the road to salvation, Jay is joined by his ex-sergeant, who reveals chilling secrets leading to a conspiracy.
The night has just begun, as they embark on a survival quest for the ultimate truth.Vito Dinatolo's horror "Face Of Evil" is a low budget nightmare, in the message woven within the story, and sadly in the execution of it'so production. The film stars Scott Baxter, Chad Bishop, Jamie Bernadette and Janet Roth. Even with its faults, "Face Of Evil" is a poignant tale, both in social relevance and in individualized fears that are recognizable in the main character.

Dinatolo's story is a blend of classic horror tropes and contemporary social awareness. There is a hint of zombie-esque attitude, but I got a strong "Night Of The Demons" vibe through the first half of the movie. The dialog is a bit rough and characters could have been developed a bit better, however the movie has some cool moments.

"Face Of Evil" really shines during a few quality scenes. The main character's hypnotic- like moment starring at the singer in the bar scene, the drive through skid row with the radio broadcast, and the big reveal at the end during the guy struggling to come to terms with the truth. Great moments both in story , and acting.

The special effects really state the low budget quality of the film. The CGI over practical kind of hurt the horror momentum that "almost but not quite gets there". Some of the effects work great, the big win visually in "Face Of Evil" is the cinematography choices. It is very stylized and atmospheric which sells the classic horror influences.

Overall "Face Of Evil" will disappoint a large section of horror fans, but the low budget, true indie crowd will find as much to enjoy as dislike. Suspend belief and give into total fantasy, and respect and feel the very real message of mental health crisis and our veterans. (2.5//5)

Check out the cool character posters for upcoming horror series 'The Purge'. The 10 episode television event airs on USA Network this September and follows the same premise as the feature film franchise.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

A new image has been released for Jeremy Saulnier‘s "Hold The Dark". The film is set to premier on Netflix September 28th. It stars Alexander Skarsgard, Jeffrey Wright,Riley Keough, and James Badge Dale.

Russell Core, played by Jeffrey Wright, a wolf expert hired by the parents of a missing six-year-old boy and locate their son in the Alaskan wilderness. He arrives at an Alaskan village that has experienced the deaths of three children thought to be by wolves.

Justin Price's sci-fi flick "Dawnseeker" is set to be released September 4th. The film stars Franziska Schissler, Alexander Kane, Jason Skeen, and Khu. Paying tribute to alien action films such as the "Predator" it will see release thanks to Uncork'd Entertainment.

Set in “2245, the Earth’s sun has dwindled and no longer provides the energy needed to sustain human life. Five hired mercenaries travel to an uncharted planet to collect a rare mineral known as stardust to replenish the dying star. After their spaceship crashes on the alien planet, they are stalked and hunted by a creature far more advanced than anything they have ever encountered before.”

“REVENGE” (Uncork’d Entertainment) IN THEATERS ACROSS THE US FROM 8/17

Norwegian/Canadian horror "Revenge" is directed by Kjersti Steinsbø. The film is produced by Kristine Knudsen, Paul Barkin, Mark Gingras, and Lisa G. Black, from screenplay by Kjersti Steinsbø. Based on Dukken i taket by Ingvar Ambjørnsen, "Revenge" stars Siren Jørgensen, Frode Winther, Maria Bock, and Anders Baasmo Christiansen.

Travelling under a false identity, Rebekka sets out on a mission to confront Morten Holand whom she shares a dark secret surrounding the death of her sister. As her plan falls apart, Rebekka is forced to face the devastating consequences of her actions and
must decide how far she is willing to go to seek revenge.

Production has begun on Hallowed Ground, the latest film from writer-director Miles Doleac (The Hollow). Currently shooting in Mississippi, this Doleac's fourth feature. The director also stars in the film alongside Sherri Eakin (Hayride), Ritchie Montgomery (The Magnificent Seven), and Lindsay Anne Williams (The Hollow).

A married couple, trying to rebuild their relationship after an affair, travels to a secluded cabin and stumbles into a blood feud between the Native American owners of the property and the neighboring clan, who obsessively guard their land and punish those who trespass on it in terrifying ways.Uncork'd Entertainment has planned a 2019 release for "Hallowed Ground"

Davide Melini's horror short "Lion" is a poignant, and deeply poetic scream against child abuse and domestic violence. The film stars Pedro Sanchez, Michael Segal, and Tania Mercader, and has had a phenomenal festival run resulting in critical acclaim and multiple awards. Blending classic creature feature affectations with social awareness, "Lion" plays out a positive "fight back" declaration against the stigmas surrounding child abuse with a cleverly told horror story.

An isolated chalet in a snowy forest... A man blinded by alcohol... A woman unable to rebel... And an 8-year-old child troubled and dark... The silent night is broken with cries... the start of a terrible nightmare!Melini offers a strong, dark story that is smart, and very much on point with a very real problem in society - domestic violence, specifically child abuse. "Lion" is a heartful and fantastical "fight song" for the victim of this global nightmare. The special effects are minimalist in design, but still add a strong, impactful presence. Shot concisely with creative and smart choices, the limited gore and kill sequences work nicely, giving the film a classic horror element. It throws back to more psychological horror movies that restrain from hardcore visceral effects. Overall "Lion" is a beautiful, dark fantasy with parapsychological aspects. The story is clever, the creature elements and message are near perfection. A definite must watch short film! (5/5)

Pistol-packing acclaimed South African western Five Fingers for Marseilles, a thrilling tale that takes its place alongside classics such as Once Upon a Time in the West and contemporaries like The Proposition and No Country for Old Men, stares down the barrel
of a national theatrical release Friday, September 7, 2018.

From filmmaker Michael Matthews and screenwriter Sean Drummond comes a thrilling western set against the backdrop of post-Apartheid South Africa. Five Fingers for Marseilles takes place in a small town “governed” by dubious local officials, living in fear of
a lawless mob; when an exiled outlaw returns home in search of solace and redemption, brotherhood and loyalty are fused with vengeance.

Synopsis: The residents of the colonial town of Marseilles are under the thumb of police oppression and only the young rebels known as the Five Fingers are willing to stand up to them. Their battle is just, until Tau kills two policemen and flees the scene.
The remaining rebels disband while the banished Tau resorts to a life of crime. Twenty years later, now known as feared outlaw The Lion of Marseilles, he is released from prison. He returns home, desiring only peace and to reconnect with those he left behind.
The battle for South Africa’s freedom has been won, and former comrades-in-arms are in prominent positions as mayor, police chief, and pastor. But it quickly becomes clear to Tau that Marseilles is caught in the grip of a vicious new threat — and he must reconstitute
the Five Fingers to fight frontier justice. Standing against former allies and new enemies, the re-formed Five Fingers saddle up and ride out, and put their lives at risk to save their beloved Marseilles.

AFI Winner David Field (The Inbetweeners 2, The Rover, Chopper) “goes brilliantly against type”* in Kosta Nikas’ critically acclaimed
Scared Heart, out from Gravitas Ventures.

Sacred Heart chronicles the journey of a religious man, who rejects God and his faith, after the tragic death of his pregnant wife and then challenges the Devil. He receives a visit from his priest, who pushes him to question his own beliefs.
The Priest turns out to be a mirror of his own insanity, pushing the boundaries between heaven and hell. David Field, Kipan Rothbury (‘’Water Rats”) and Lizzie Schebesta (Sleeping Beauty) star in a Kosta Nikas film.

“A hard-hitting journey of revenge and redemption”**, Sacred Heart is available on VOD/DVD and BluRay from Gravitas Ventures from 8/14.